Agriculture Adviser Lt Gen Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd) has said that the government is actively working to restore the former glory of jute.

He made these remarks during a press briefing after a discussion with researchers and scientists at the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute in Dhaka on Monday.

The event was also attended by Dr. Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, and Dr. Nargis Akhtar, Director General of the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute.

Chowdhury highlighted the environmental benefits of jute products, noting that jute has significant potential for broader applications, including its use in vegetables and tea.

He pointed out that the country once earned substantial foreign exchange from jute exports, a practice that has diminished as farmers have shifted to more profitable crops.

He emphasized the need to explore ways to boost jute production in collaboration with scientists, who have identified 56 varieties of jute so far.

The adviser also mentioned the government's strong stance against polythene use, stating that its prevalence in the market has already decreased significantly.

He expressed confidence that polythene will eventually be phased out completely, with some time allowed for transition. “Efforts are underway to promote jute bags as a sustainable alternative, with various types of jute bags being developed for market testing,” he added.

During the meeting, the Agriculture Adviser directed scientists and officials to concentrate on increasing jute seed production, ensuring affordable supply of jute products, and making jute cultivation more profitable for farmers. After the briefing, he visited various units of the institute.